Multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease that affects more than 25,000 Aussies. It is a disease of the central nervous system that interferes with nerve impulses from the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, manifesting in a wide range of symptoms that vary from person to person and are often invisible. As yet there is no cure, however there are a number of treatments available to help people live well with the disease. Find out more.

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease that affects more than 25,000 Aussies. It is a disease of the central nervous system that interferes with nerve impulses from the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, manifesting in a wide range of symptoms that vary from person to person and are often invisible. As yet there is no cure, however there are a number of treatments available to help people live well with the disease. Find out more.

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease whose symptoms affect everyone differently. As the experts in multiple sclerosis, we understand how symptoms can impact on people and their loved ones in a variety of ways.

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease whose symptoms affect everyone differently. As the experts in multiple sclerosis, we understand how symptoms can impact on people and their loved ones in a variety of ways.

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS, occurring in about 80% of people with multiple sclerosis. Fatigue can significantly interfere with a person's ability to work and function. It may be the most prominent symptom in a person who otherwise has minimal disease impacts.

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS, occurring in about 80% of people with multiple sclerosis. Fatigue can significantly interfere with a person's ability to work and function. It may be the most prominent symptom in a person who otherwise has minimal disease impacts.

Many people with multiple sclerosis experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms when the weather is very hot or humid or they run a fever, sunbathe, get overheated from exercise, or take very hot showers or baths. For example, some people notice that their vision becomes blurred when they get overheated - a phenomenon known as Uhthoff's sign.

Many people with multiple sclerosis experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms when the weather is very hot or humid or they run a fever, sunbathe, get overheated from exercise, or take very hot showers or baths. For example, some people notice that their vision becomes blurred when they get overheated - a phenomenon known as Uhthoff's sign.

Finding the services you need when newly diagnosed. Every person's experience of living with multiple sclerosis is different. Here at MS, we take your individual circumstances into account — from the time of diagnosis and throughout your journey.

Finding the services you need when newly diagnosed. Every person's experience of living with multiple sclerosis is different. Here at MS, we take your individual circumstances into account — from the time of diagnosis and throughout your journey.

Multiple sclerosis is a complex and unpredictable disease. There is no single test, symptom, or physical finding which confirms a person has the disease. Some multiple sclerosis symptoms can also be caused by other diseases.

Multiple sclerosis is a complex and unpredictable disease. There is no single test, symptom, or physical finding which confirms a person has the disease. Some multiple sclerosis symptoms can also be caused by other diseases.

We are here so no one has to face MS alone.
We offer a suite of services and support to help minimise the impact of living with multiple sclerosis, while the search for a cure continues. This includes support in referral advice and information, everyday tips and tricks, education, emotional support, wellbeing support, symptom management, opportunities to connect with others, employment support, living arrangement support, individual assessment and NDIS and My Aged Care support. Find out more.

We are here so no one has to face MS alone.
We offer a suite of services and support to help minimise the impact of living with multiple sclerosis, while the search for a cure continues. This includes support in referral advice and information, everyday tips and tricks, education, emotional support, wellbeing support, symptom management, opportunities to connect with others, employment support, living arrangement support, individual assessment and NDIS and My Aged Care support. Find out more.

Navigating the disability, health and aged-care sectors can be confusing and overwhelming. We’re here to make it as simple as possible for people living with multiple sclerosis to find the right support, by connecting them into the right service.

Navigating the disability, health and aged-care sectors can be confusing and overwhelming. We’re here to make it as simple as possible for people living with multiple sclerosis to find the right support, by connecting them into the right service.

Our free MS Photo ID Card is available to all people who are registered with MS in ACT, NSW, Tasmania or Victoria, who have a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The card can be useful for telling others that you have multiple sclerosis.

Our free MS Photo ID Card is available to all people who are registered with MS in ACT, NSW, Tasmania or Victoria, who have a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The card can be useful for telling others that you have multiple sclerosis.

Specialised support from a health professional, wherever you are. We're offering a new way of delivering services to people living with multiple sclerosis. Our MS Advisor service is a multidisciplinary service designed to provide you with a free, specialised consultation led by one of our experienced health professionals.

Specialised support from a health professional, wherever you are. We're offering a new way of delivering services to people living with multiple sclerosis. Our MS Advisor service is a multidisciplinary service designed to provide you with a free, specialised consultation led by one of our experienced health professionals.

We have more than 60 years’ insight and experience into living well with multiple sclerosis, and we understand that no two days and no two people are the same. We assess people’s individual needs and how their symptoms are affecting their everyday life, and then make practical recommendations that will support them and their family.

We have more than 60 years’ insight and experience into living well with multiple sclerosis, and we understand that no two days and no two people are the same. We assess people’s individual needs and how their symptoms are affecting their everyday life, and then make practical recommendations that will support them and their family.

Pre-planning is all about ensuring you are supported to understand the NDIS and what that means for you, including what information you need to provide and knowing what to ask for when you decide to access the scheme.

Pre-planning is all about ensuring you are supported to understand the NDIS and what that means for you, including what information you need to provide and knowing what to ask for when you decide to access the scheme.

Our MS Plan Managers can manage your NDIS financial transactions on your behalf. Once you have received a service, the provider will send us the invoice. We will check the invoice is correct with you or your Support Coordinator, then request payment from the NDIS. The NDIS will pay us, who will then pay the provider.

Our MS Plan Managers can manage your NDIS financial transactions on your behalf. Once you have received a service, the provider will send us the invoice. We will check the invoice is correct with you or your Support Coordinator, then request payment from the NDIS. The NDIS will pay us, who will then pay the provider.

Continence is a sensitive and intimate issue, and is a more common symptom than you may think. Up to 80% of people living with multiple sclerosis may experience continence issues and many may choose not to talk about it and might miss out on the assistance they need.

Continence is a sensitive and intimate issue, and is a more common symptom than you may think. Up to 80% of people living with multiple sclerosis may experience continence issues and many may choose not to talk about it and might miss out on the assistance they need.

Welcome to our podcast series, MS Podcasts. In each episode we will be exploring some common multiple sclerosis symptoms and wellness topics and importantly providing you with some practical strategies to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Welcome to our podcast series, MS Podcasts. In each episode we will be exploring some common multiple sclerosis symptoms and wellness topics and importantly providing you with some practical strategies to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

We can provide lots of information about supporting your patients and clients to live well with multiple sclerosis. You can subscribe to Inform, a monthly eNewsletter including details of upcoming MS programs, useful online resources, disease-related news and research news.

We can provide lots of information about supporting your patients and clients to live well with multiple sclerosis. You can subscribe to Inform, a monthly eNewsletter including details of upcoming MS programs, useful online resources, disease-related news and research news.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis in 2019.
The needs of people living with multiple sclerosis, their families and carers.
Key results from a quantitative research study commissioned by Multiple Sclerosis Australia.
July 2019.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis in 2019.
The needs of people living with multiple sclerosis, their families and carers.
Key results from a quantitative research study commissioned by Multiple Sclerosis Australia.
July 2019.

MS currently has a virtual library of 35 eBooks. An eBook is an electronic book which is a book publication made available in digital form, consisting of text, images, or both, readable on the flat-panel display of computers or other electronic devices.

MS currently has a virtual library of 35 eBooks. An eBook is an electronic book which is a book publication made available in digital form, consisting of text, images, or both, readable on the flat-panel display of computers or other electronic devices.

It’s vital for people living with multiple sclerosis to have a network of people around them that they can trust, and who will be there when they need it most. The MS community is wonderfully supportive, and there are many ways to stay connected to each other. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, living well with the disease, a carer of a loved one, a friend wanting to help, or a health professional wanting to find out more – we can help connect them with others in a meaningful way.

It’s vital for people living with multiple sclerosis to have a network of people around them that they can trust, and who will be there when they need it most. The MS community is wonderfully supportive, and there are many ways to stay connected to each other. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, living well with the disease, a carer of a loved one, a friend wanting to help, or a health professional wanting to find out more – we can help connect them with others in a meaningful way.

Living with multiple sclerosis or caring for someone with the condition can be challenging – especially the people newly diagnosed, who can feel particularly vulnerable. At MS, one way we’ve addressed this is through our Peer Support program, whereby people living with multiple sclerosis or their family members or carers can support one another either face to face, over the phone or through Facebook.

Living with multiple sclerosis or caring for someone with the condition can be challenging – especially the people newly diagnosed, who can feel particularly vulnerable. At MS, one way we’ve addressed this is through our Peer Support program, whereby people living with multiple sclerosis or their family members or carers can support one another either face to face, over the phone or through Facebook.

Feeling confident and independent in your own home is vital for anyone’s wellbeing. We can help foster this wellbeing for people affected by multiple sclerosis in a number of ways, such as ensuring their home meets their needs, giving them a break from their own home or caring commitments, or finding them a home that’s right for them and helping them move in.

Feeling confident and independent in your own home is vital for anyone’s wellbeing. We can help foster this wellbeing for people affected by multiple sclerosis in a number of ways, such as ensuring their home meets their needs, giving them a break from their own home or caring commitments, or finding them a home that’s right for them and helping them move in.

Sometimes people living with multiple sclerosis reach a point where they are no longer able to access the level of support and services they need in their home anymore. In these cases, people may seek longer term living options

Sometimes people living with multiple sclerosis reach a point where they are no longer able to access the level of support and services they need in their home anymore. In these cases, people may seek longer term living options

The MS Employment Support Service is the only MS specialist employment service for people living with multiple sclerosis in Australia that can help you succeed at work, whether that is staying in your current job or finding new employment. Find out more.

The MS Employment Support Service is the only MS specialist employment service for people living with multiple sclerosis in Australia that can help you succeed at work, whether that is staying in your current job or finding new employment. Find out more.

Hear from real people sharing their personal stories of living with multiple sclerosis and how this impacted their working life. Remember we are here to help you succeed at work, whether that is staying in your current role or finding a new job.

Hear from real people sharing their personal stories of living with multiple sclerosis and how this impacted their working life. Remember we are here to help you succeed at work, whether that is staying in your current role or finding a new job.

Employment support FAQs. Now that you have had some time to adjust to your recent diagnosis and learn about multiple sclerosis, you may have concerns about the potential impact of the disease on your working life.

Employment support FAQs. Now that you have had some time to adjust to your recent diagnosis and learn about multiple sclerosis, you may have concerns about the potential impact of the disease on your working life.

Book an appointment with an ESS Consultant.
The MS Employment Support Service is pleased to now offer online booking for registered ESS clients to meet with specialist ESS Consultants either virtually or in person.

Book an appointment with an ESS Consultant.
The MS Employment Support Service is pleased to now offer online booking for registered ESS clients to meet with specialist ESS Consultants either virtually or in person.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a major social reform offering a new way of providing support and services for people living with disability or significant impairment under the age of 65. As a registered NDIS provider we have a wide range of support services to help navigate and get the most out of the scheme, enabling people to achieve their goals. Find out more.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a major social reform offering a new way of providing support and services for people living with disability or significant impairment under the age of 65. As a registered NDIS provider we have a wide range of support services to help navigate and get the most out of the scheme, enabling people to achieve their goals. Find out more.

The NDIS is a better way of providing support and services for people living with disability. It’s all based around helping you meet your goals, such as living safely and independently at home, finding and keeping a job or volunteering, getting out and about in the community or staying social.

The NDIS is a better way of providing support and services for people living with disability. It’s all based around helping you meet your goals, such as living safely and independently at home, finding and keeping a job or volunteering, getting out and about in the community or staying social.

We can help you understand and prepare for the NDIS as well as provide registered NDIS services to you.
We have been providing NDIS services since the very first trial sites in 2013, and have over 60 years experience living well with multiple sclerosis and other progressive neurological diseases – so we can help you make the right decisions for you when it comes to the NDIS.

We can help you understand and prepare for the NDIS as well as provide registered NDIS services to you.
We have been providing NDIS services since the very first trial sites in 2013, and have over 60 years experience living well with multiple sclerosis and other progressive neurological diseases – so we can help you make the right decisions for you when it comes to the NDIS.

Living well with multiple sclerosis is possible and we are here to help you do just that! From everyday tips and tricks to better manage your symptoms, to online tools such as our Eat Well Live Well nutrition guide, there are lots of options out there for you – it’s just a matter of finding the right mix for you to supplement your treatment. Find out more.

Living well with multiple sclerosis is possible and we are here to help you do just that! From everyday tips and tricks to better manage your symptoms, to online tools such as our Eat Well Live Well nutrition guide, there are lots of options out there for you – it’s just a matter of finding the right mix for you to supplement your treatment. Find out more.

Multiple sclerosis can impact a person’s everyday life in many ways, and sometimes all that’s needed is step-by-step tips and tricks. We’re here to provide people living with multiple sclerosis with practical, real-world advice about things such as driving, finances, benefits and entitlements, travel, eligibility for services, supporting carers, legal issues, telling their loved ones about their diagnosis and much more.

Multiple sclerosis can impact a person’s everyday life in many ways, and sometimes all that’s needed is step-by-step tips and tricks. We’re here to provide people living with multiple sclerosis with practical, real-world advice about things such as driving, finances, benefits and entitlements, travel, eligibility for services, supporting carers, legal issues, telling their loved ones about their diagnosis and much more.

Falls are very common for people living with multiple sclerosis. Approximately 50 to 60% of people living with multiple sclerosis will have one or more falls in a 12 month period. Research shows, perhaps surprisingly, that the majority of falls actually occur inside the home.

Falls are very common for people living with multiple sclerosis. Approximately 50 to 60% of people living with multiple sclerosis will have one or more falls in a 12 month period. Research shows, perhaps surprisingly, that the majority of falls actually occur inside the home.

For many people with multiple sclerosis, making positive changes to their diet is an important way of regaining some control and improving their quality of life while living with an unpredictable and chronic health condition.

For many people with multiple sclerosis, making positive changes to their diet is an important way of regaining some control and improving their quality of life while living with an unpredictable and chronic health condition.

Foods can have a combination of saturated and unsaturated fats in them. Where they are listed as good sources of a particular fat it generally means the majority of the fat they contain is of that particular type.

Foods can have a combination of saturated and unsaturated fats in them. Where they are listed as good sources of a particular fat it generally means the majority of the fat they contain is of that particular type.

Ideally we would obtain all our nutritional needs from a well balanced diet rich in nutrients. Sometimes people are unable to obtain everything they need from their diet. This might be because they find it difficult to maintain and manage a healthy well balanced diet, they may have digestive issues which can make adequate absorption of nutrients difficult, they may have a chronic health condition which warrants higher nutritional content in their diet.

Ideally we would obtain all our nutritional needs from a well balanced diet rich in nutrients. Sometimes people are unable to obtain everything they need from their diet. This might be because they find it difficult to maintain and manage a healthy well balanced diet, they may have digestive issues which can make adequate absorption of nutrients difficult, they may have a chronic health condition which warrants higher nutritional content in their diet.

Many people living with multiple sclerosis are interested in diets specific to the disease. Some people have found that by making appropriate changes to their diet some of their symptoms have been relieved, and in some cases the time between relapses has increased.

Many people living with multiple sclerosis are interested in diets specific to the disease. Some people have found that by making appropriate changes to their diet some of their symptoms have been relieved, and in some cases the time between relapses has increased.

The Get your ACT together tool focuses on three common symptoms of MS: emotions, fatigue, and continence
While the content is designed by people in the ACT, for people in the ACT, it includes information that is useful for all people living with multiple sclerosis, wherever you live.

The Get your ACT together tool focuses on three common symptoms of MS: emotions, fatigue, and continence
While the content is designed by people in the ACT, for people in the ACT, it includes information that is useful for all people living with multiple sclerosis, wherever you live.

There are so many ways you can get involved to support people living with multiple sclerosis. Volunteering is a fantastic way to support the community while developing your own skills. Whether you want to get involved in our fundraising events, philanthropic opportunities or directly support people living with multiple sclerosis, we will have a way for you to get involved! Find out more.

There are so many ways you can get involved to support people living with multiple sclerosis. Volunteering is a fantastic way to support the community while developing your own skills. Whether you want to get involved in our fundraising events, philanthropic opportunities or directly support people living with multiple sclerosis, we will have a way for you to get involved! Find out more.

Fundraising is more important than ever, with some of our vital services relying solely on the support of generous donors. Each year about 24,000 people participate in our fundraising events, supported by more than 1,300 volunteers, to help raise millions of dollars to care for people affected by multiple sclerosis. We encourage you to get involved in our fundraising in any way you can! Find out more.

Fundraising is more important than ever, with some of our vital services relying solely on the support of generous donors. Each year about 24,000 people participate in our fundraising events, supported by more than 1,300 volunteers, to help raise millions of dollars to care for people affected by multiple sclerosis. We encourage you to get involved in our fundraising in any way you can! Find out more.

The MS Dream Home Lottery is Victoria's best odds home lottery! The proceeds of the MS Dream Home Lottery will make a life-changing difference to the lives of thousands of Australians living with multiple sclerosis.

The MS Dream Home Lottery is Victoria's best odds home lottery! The proceeds of the MS Dream Home Lottery will make a life-changing difference to the lives of thousands of Australians living with multiple sclerosis.

MS volunteers are involved in a wide variety of exciting roles across VIC, NSW, TAS, and ACT. We have both short-term positions available as well as roles requiring a longer term commitment. This will allow you to find an opportunity best suited to your availability.

MS volunteers are involved in a wide variety of exciting roles across VIC, NSW, TAS, and ACT. We have both short-term positions available as well as roles requiring a longer term commitment. This will allow you to find an opportunity best suited to your availability.

Thousands of people just like you have found meaningful ways to give back to the community by volunteering. Read their stories and discover how you can make a difference and feed your passions through volunteering.

Thousands of people just like you have found meaningful ways to give back to the community by volunteering. Read their stories and discover how you can make a difference and feed your passions through volunteering.

A CVS volunteer shares stories, reads or listens to a book, shares a hobby, interest or activity, has a cuppa and chat, takes a walk or goes on an outing, is happy to watch a TV show with someone, brings a family pet or children to visit

A CVS volunteer shares stories, reads or listens to a book, shares a hobby, interest or activity, has a cuppa and chat, takes a walk or goes on an outing, is happy to watch a TV show with someone, brings a family pet or children to visit

The Community Visitors Scheme is funded by the Australian Government and is provided free of charge to the community. Multiple Sclerosis has been an auspice of the CVS since 1991. The objective of the program is to reduce the risk of isolation and loneliness for people living in Aged Care Homes or their own homes receiving a home care package. To make a referral please use the form.

The Community Visitors Scheme is funded by the Australian Government and is provided free of charge to the community. Multiple Sclerosis has been an auspice of the CVS since 1991. The objective of the program is to reduce the risk of isolation and loneliness for people living in Aged Care Homes or their own homes receiving a home care package. To make a referral please use the form.

Connection and empathy are what make our Peer Support Program successful. Our peer support groups create a safe space where participants can share experiences, and give and receive emotional and practical support, helping each other to overcome the challenges of living with multiple sclerosis or caring for someone with the condition.

Connection and empathy are what make our Peer Support Program successful. Our peer support groups create a safe space where participants can share experiences, and give and receive emotional and practical support, helping each other to overcome the challenges of living with multiple sclerosis or caring for someone with the condition.

Royal commissions are the highest form of inquiry on matters of public importance and MS welcomes and fully supports the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (the Royal Commission).

Royal commissions are the highest form of inquiry on matters of public importance and MS welcomes and fully supports the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (the Royal Commission).

We know these unprecedented times have been very stressful for many people living with MS and their families, so we created this page to keep you informed, supported and connected during the COVID-19 crisis.

At MSL, we’re doing the best we can to protect the health and wellbeing of everyone we work with and for. Together, we can get through this.

We know these unprecedented times have been very stressful for many people living with MS and their families, so we created this page to keep you informed, supported and connected during the COVID-19 crisis.

At MSL, we’re doing the best we can to protect the health and wellbeing of everyone we work with and for. Together, we can get through this.

Get social

In the last few weeks we have received many questions from our clients about how COVID-19 might impact the health and wellbeing of people living with MS. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

What is self-isolation or social distancing? Do I need to do this?
Self-isolation, social distancing and good hygiene practices are the most effective ways to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading coronavirus.

Social distancing means you should keep a distance of 1.5 metres between you and other people where possible, minimise physical contact, avoid large public gathering and staying at home if you are unwell.

Self-isolation means you should not go to public places such as school, work, shopping centres, and you should avoid catching up with visitors, so you are only staying in physical contact with people who live with you.

Good hygiene practices include washing your hands frequently with soap and water, covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and using alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Everyone is encouraged to do these practices where possible.

I feel anxious or stressed. How can I manage my mental health during this time?
It is important to understand this can be a very anxious and stressful time for a lot of people in the community and these feelings are completely normal. The World Health Organisation has provided some very helpful information on coping with stress curing the coronavirus outbreak which you can find on their website.

Should I be wearing a surgical mask and does Multiple Sclerosis Limited has any to provide?
The Department of Health states that surgical masks are not required if you are well as it has not been proven that widespread use of surgical masks prevents transmission in public. They may be helpful to prevent someone who has coronavirus from spreading it to others. MSL does not supply masks but we currently recommend good hygiene practices, self-isolation and social distancing as the recommended measures to prevent contracting or spreading coronavirus.

Should I be cancelling my upcoming travel, even domestic travel?
The Australian Government advise people not to travel overseas at this time. This is the highest level of advice they can give. All travelers coming back to Australia will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Smartraveller has the most up-to-date information on travel advice for Australians. Social distancing is one of the most effective ways to minimise your risk of contracting and spreading coronavirus.

Should I continue my DTM therapy for MS?
Many disease modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS work by suppressing or modifying the immune system. Some MS medications might increase the likelihood of developing complications from a COVID-19 infection but this risk needs to be balanced with the risks of stopping treatment. The MS International Federation recommends that:

People with MS currently taking DMTs continue with their treatment.

People who develop symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for the infection discuss their MS therapies with their MS care provider or another health care professional who is familiar with their care.

Before starting on any new DMT, people with MS discuss with their healthcare professional which therapy is the best choice for their individual disease course and disease activity in light of COVID-19 risk in the region.

Those who are due to start on a DMT but have not yet done so, should consider selecting a treatment that does not reduce specific immune cells (lymphocytes). Examples include: interferons, glatiramer acetate, or natalizumab. Medications that reduce lymphocytes over longer intervals include alemtuzumab, cladribine, ocrelizumab and rituximab. The following oral DMTs may reduce the ability of the immune system to respond to an infection: fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide and siponimod. People should carefully consider the risks and benefits of initiating these treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

People with MS who are currently taking alemtuzumab, cladribine, ocrelizumab, rituximab, fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide or siponimod and are living in a community with a COVID-19 outbreak should isolate as much as possible to reduce their risk of infection.

Recommendations on delaying second or further doses of alemtuzumab, cladribine, ocrelizumab and rituximab due to the COVID-19 outbreak differ between countries. People who take these medications and are due for the next dose should consult their healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of postponing treatment.